17 Secrets to Captivating Interior Design Photography

Written by Robert Lowdon

Robert Lowdon is an internationally published commercial photographer based out of Toronto, Canada. He spends his time photographing architecture and industrial projects for the most part.

Published June 3, 2022

dining room with marble

Interior design photography can be a great way to show off your work to potential clients. But if you want to make sure that your photographs really stand out, there are a few secrets that you need to know. In this article, we will discuss seven of the most important secrets of interior photography.

Now before we get started.

What is Interior Photography?

Interior photography is the art of taking photographs of the inside of buildings. This can include both private residences and public spaces such as office buildings, hotels, or restaurants.

Interior photography usually focuses on highlighting the features of a particular space that make it unique and interesting. This might include the layout of the room, the use of color and light, interesting architectural features, or beautiful views.

Interior photography is part of a larger group of architectural photography.

Interior photography
Restaurant interior.

How to Create Beautiful Interior Photography

If you’re interested in taking beautiful interior photographs, there are a few things you can do to make a photograph really stand out. Here are a few tips:

Keep Your Interior Images Straight

One of the most important things to keep in mind when taking interior photos is that your images need to be straight. This means that you should use a tripod and take the time to make sure that your camera is level before you take each shot.

If your vertical lines are not straight, it can make the interior space look distorted and can be very off-putting to viewers.

Use Natural Light for Interior Design Photography

Whenever possible, try to use natural light when taking interior design photos. This will help to create a bright and airy feel in your photos. If you are taking photos during the day, open up all of the blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. And if you are taking photos at night, won’t be available.

Also, consider mixing natural light with artificial light.

Use Photographic Lighting

If you’re really serious about shooting interior photography, you may want to invest in some photographic lighting. This type of lighting can help to create a more professional look in your architectural photography. The trick is to use it as supplemental lighting.

All the lights in the world won’t make your shots better if you don’t know how to use them.

Related: Lighting Difficult Store Interiors

Stage the Room

If you want your photographs to really stand out, take the time to stage the room before taking any photos. This means that you should arrange the furniture in an appealing way. You may even want to consider adding some decorative items to the room, such as flowers or plants.

Staging has become essential in real estate photography. If you want better photos stage them.

Focus on the Detail

One of the most important things that you need to do when taking photos of interiors is to focus on the details. After all, it is the little details that really make a room come alive. So, make sure that you take close-up shots of any interesting features in the room, such as fireplaces, artwork, or unique furnishings.

Good architectural photography will showcase the spaces features.

Know your Camera Settings

Before you start taking interior design photos, it is important that you take some time to familiarize yourself with your camera settings. This will help you to avoid making any common mistakes that can ruin your photos.

For instance, you need to know how to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings on your camera. These three settings will have a big impact on the overall quality of your photos.

Work with Photoshop layers

If you really want your interior photography to stand out, then you need to start working with Photoshop layers. This will allow you to add different effects to your photos, and combine multiple exposures.

You can create some truly stunning interior photography images with good post-production. Different photo editing techniques can create some great results.

Related: The Best Editing Software Right Now

Let composition guide your shot

When you are photographing interiors, you need to let composition guide your shot. This means that you should not be afraid to experiment with different angles and perspectives. Sometimes, the best shots are those that are taken from unusual angles. So, don’t be afraid to get creative!

Get rid of clutter

If you want your photos to look neat and tidy, then you need to get rid of any clutter that might be present. This means that you should put away any personal items, such as family photos or magazines. You should also declutter surfaces, such as coffee tables and dressers.

When in doubt remove the item.

Use Tethering to Involve Your Clients

Tethering is a great way to involve your clients in the photo-taking process. By tethering your camera to your computer, you can show your clients the photos as you take them. This is a great way to get feedback and make sure that everyone is happy with the final results.

Consider using wireless tethering solutions as being tied in makes it pretty hard to move around a property.

Plan Ahead for Professional Results in Interior Photography

If you want to make sure that your photos turn out looking amazing, then you need to plan ahead. This means that you should take the time to scout out locations beforehand. You should also think about the best time of day to take your photos. By taking a little bit of time to plan ahead, you can be sure that your photos will turn out to look professional and polished.

Create depth in Interior Photos with Styling Objects

A great way to add depth to your interior photos is to style objects. This means that you should arrange items in the room in a way that creates interest and depth. For example, you could place a vase of flowers on a coffee table, or hang a picture frame from a bookshelf. By styling objects, you can really make your photos pop.

Don’t shoot too wide

Another mistake that many people make when taking interior photos is shooting too wide. This means that they include too much of the room in the photo, using a super wide-angle lens. The problem is it makes a really uninteresting photo.

The interiors can look too stretched also with a wide-angle lens. This is seen a lot in real estate photography.

So, when you are shooting interiors, be sure to frame and focus on specific areas of the room. This will help to create a sense of space and make your photos look more inviting.

Use your styling skills for interior photography

Your skills as an interior design stylist will come in handy when you are taking photos. This means that you should pay attention to the way that you style the room. You should also think about the best time of day to take your photos. By using your styling skills, you can really make your photos stand out.

Related: Our Favorite Architectural Styles: Which One Will Inspire You

Keep the Look Natural Even if You Use a Strobe or Flash

Whether you are using a strobe or flash, you should make sure that the light looks natural. This means that you should avoid using harsh lighting, which can create shadows and make the space look less inviting. Instead, you should use soft, diffused lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Edit Your Photos for the Best Results

Once you have taken your photos, it is important to use photo editing for the best results. This means that you should remove any unwanted items from the photo, such as clutter or personal items. You should also crop the photo to create a more pleasing composition. By editing your photos, you can really make them look their best.

The Final Secret of Interior Photography

The last secret is that there are no real secrets to interior photography. Almost, everything is readily available in places just like this blog.

Why Interior Designers Need Photography

Interior design is all about creating a beautiful and inviting space. And, one of the best ways to do this is through photography. By taking great photos, you can really show off your design skills and make a space look its best. So, if you are an interior designer, be sure to add photography to your list of marketing tools.

There are a few reasons why interior designers need photography. First, it’s a great way to show off your work. If you have beautiful photos of your work, potential clients will be able to see what you can do and how you do it. This can be a great selling point, as many people are visual learners and will be able to see your talent through your photos.

Another reason why interior designers need photography is that it’s a great way to market your business. You can use your photos on your website, in your portfolio, and on social media. By sharing great photos of your work, you’ll be able to reach more people and show them what you do.

So, if you’re an interior designer, make sure to add photography to your marketing toolkit. It’s a great way to show off your work and reach more potential clients.

Should you Hire an Interior Photographer?

If you’re an interior designer, you may be wondering if you should hire an interior photographer. After all, photography is an important part of marketing your business.

There are a few things to consider when deciding if you should hire a professional photographer. First, think about your budget. If you have the money to hire a professional, then it may be worth it to get high-quality photos of your work.

Another thing to consider is your skills. If you’re not confident in your photography skills, then it may be worth it to hire a professional. A professional photographer will know how to take great photos that show off your work in the best light. Keep in mind all photographers are not created equal.

Finally, think about your time. If you don’t have time to take photos yourself, then it may be worth it to hire a professional. A professional photographer can save you time and hassle, and they’ll be able to get great photos of your work.

So, should you hire a professional photographer? It depends on your budget, skills, and time. If you have the money and you’re not confident in your photography skills, then it may be worth it to hire a professional.

Shooting Interiors can be Tricky

If you’re an interior photographer, you know that shooting interiors can be tricky. There are a lot of things to consider, such as lighting, composition, and angles. But with a little planning and some creative thinking, you can really make your shots stand out.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can be sure that your interior design photos will look amazing. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different techniques. With a little bit of practice, you will be taking stunning photos in no time!

If you want to learn more about taking amazing interior design photos, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter. We will send you regular updates with photography tips and tricks, as well as showcases of our latest work.

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2 Comments

  1. Lionel Guy

    Do you use LUT’s or Photoshop overlays?

    Reply
    • Robert Lowdon

      No, I do everything custom for each job. We’ve just found in the past that what we can do in-house always seems to give much better results.

      Reply
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